Atlanta, GA, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta 50 list has made a comeback for the first time in a decade, showcasing the top 50 restaurants in Metro Atlanta. Curated by dining critics Ligaya Figueras and Henri Hollis, the list highlights the city’s vibrant culinary scene, emphasizing aspects such as food, service, drinks, and atmosphere. Extensive evaluations were conducted over three months and involved visits to nearly 150 locally-owned restaurants, reflecting the considerable investment in recognizing Atlanta’s diverse dining options.
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as the Atlanta 50 makes its grand return for the first time in at least a decade. Released by Atlanta Journal-Constitution dining critics Ligaya Figueras and Henri Hollis, this list showcases the top 50 restaurants in Metro Atlanta, highlighting the city’s rich and diverse food scene.
The critics meticulously evaluated various factors, including food, service, drinks, and atmosphere, to curate the list. Notably, menu costs were not factored into their selections. The extensive research undertaken to compile the list reportedly had a price tag of about $30,000 and spanned nearly three months, with evaluations occurring between mid-June and the end of August.
In their quest, Figueras and Hollis visited almost 150 locally-owned establishments across multiple counties, including Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett. This level of dedication underscores the importance of recognizing the vibrant dining options available in the area.
Top Restaurants in Metro Atlanta
The list features several standout establishments that define the culinary landscape of the region:
- Mujō – Recognized as “the best restaurant experience in Atlanta,” this dining spot specializes in sushi omakase.
- Georgia Boy – Celebrated as “a love letter to the local food scene.”
- Lazy Betty – Acclaimed for its imaginative cuisine, crafting unique dining experiences.
- Bones – Offers limitless accommodations and is praised for its inviting atmosphere.
- Kimball House – A perfect choice for romantic evenings.
- Omakase Table – Known for maintaining an exceptional dining experience focused on exploration and discovery.
Additional Restaurants Featured in the Top 50
Other noteworthy establishments in the top 50 include:
- Bistro Niko
- Delbar
- Gene’s
- La Semilla
- Lucky Star
- Mothers Best
- Rumi’s Kitchen
- Seed Kitchen and Bar
- Southern National
- Talat Market
- The Chastain
- Tio Lucho’s
Honorable Mentions
The following restaurants received honorable mentions for their contributions to Atlanta’s dining scene:
- Kevin Rathbun Steakhouse
- Nan Thai Buckhead
- Poor Hendrix
- The Colonnade
- Bread and Butterfly
The Rise of Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Atlanta is solidifying its reputation as one of America’s richest dining destinations, driven by job growth and a cultural influx. The city boasts a unique blend of global cuisines, marked by flavors such as distinctly Georgia Thai and Southern-inflected Peruvian dishes. This culinary growth is fueled by Atlanta’s position as home to a significant number of Fortune 500 companies and notable sporting events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The local population has nearly doubled since the 1996 Olympics, contributing to Atlanta’s status as the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. in the wake of post-pandemic recovery. Additionally, the region’s agricultural landscape, rich in farmland, provides essential ingredients for the city’s culinary creations.
Innovative pop-up restaurants thrive in Atlanta, offering unique dining experiences, especially on days when many traditional venues are closed. The Atlanta Beltline plays a pivotal role in connecting diverse neighborhoods, further enhancing the area’s vibrant dining scene.
In summary, the return of the Atlanta 50 reflects the evolving and dynamic nature of Atlanta’s culinary landscape, showcasing both existing and emerging dining talents in the region.
FAQ
What is the Atlanta 50?
The Atlanta 50 has returned for the first time in at least a decade.
Who released the Atlanta 50 list?
The list was released by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution dining critics Ligaya Figueras and Henri Hollis.
What criteria were used to select the top restaurants?
The critics rated the food, service, drinks, and atmosphere of the restaurants.
How much did the research for the list cost?
The research conducted for the list had a price tag of about $30,000.
How many establishments did Figueras and Hollis visit?
Figueras and Hollis visited almost 150 locally-owned establishments across Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.
What was the evaluation period for the restaurants?
The evaluation period took place between mid-June and the end of August.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| List Name | Atlanta 50 |
| Release Frequency | First time in a decade |
| Critics | Ligaya Figueras and Henri Hollis |
| Research Cost | $30,000 |
| Establishments Visited | 150 |
| Evaluation Period | Mid-June to end of August |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta 50 Best Restaurants
- New York Times: Best Restaurants in Atlanta
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Quick Bites – Atlanta Restaurant News
- Bon Appétit: Where to Eat in Atlanta 2025
- The Infatuation: Best Soul Food Restaurants in Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Atlanta
- Google Search: Atlanta restaurants
- Google Scholar: Atlanta dining scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Google News: Atlanta restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
